Detroit Red Wings notes: Pavel Datsyuk finally arrives

"(It's) awesome," Datsyuk said after practicing with teammates at Compuware Arena for the first time this season. "(Being) home is always good. I'm sorry I'm a little bit late."

Datsyuk arrived in Detroit Monday night after playing in the KHL All-Star game, thus missing the first two days of camp and physicals.

He did so with the Wings' permission, according to his agent.

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"It's hard when you make commitments all over," Wings coach Mike Babcock said. "When you start there and you think you're going to be there a little bit and suddenly you become part of the community and part of the program and that's your homeland, I didn't have any problem."

"It's been a long time (since I've played) in Russia," said Datsyuk, who last played in his homeland during the 2004-05 lockout that cancelled the entire NHL season. "(I've got) lot of Russian friends. (I'm) always welcomes home, nice, positive. You never know the next time (you'll) play in front of Russian fans."

Datsyuk did not take part in the Wings' scrimmage, but is expected to Thursday at Joe Louis Arena.

Babcock said Datsyuk will be reunited with long-time linemate Henrik Zetterberg this season and have rookie Damien Brunner on a wing.

"Those two guys like playing together are they're very good together," Babcock said. "We just didn't feel last year it was good for us. Last year I put them together at the start but between them and (Danny Cleary) they were never going at the start, so we had to change and we never went back."

Datsyuk said he didn't know much about Brunner.

"I can tell you the guys are thrilled to have him, the coaches are thrilled to have him and the people of Detroit will be thrilled to have him back," Babcock said. "He's a superstar who's an unbelievable person and a great team leader."

Datsyuk will enter the final year of his contract next season and hinted he may like to finish his career in Russia.

"It's my kind of a dream to come back and enjoy it," Datsyuk said. "Russian fans pull for me. You never know how (your) career (will) go."

Helm doubtful for opener; Samuelsson improving

Darren Helm (back) missed the third day of camp and is doubtful for Saturday night's opener in St. Louis.

"Each day has been a little bit better, so I really don't know when I'll be on the ice," Helm said. "Just day-by-day, play it by ear.

"Probably pretty doubtful to play," Helm added when asked about opener. "Still have to get on the ice first. That's probably a couple days away."

Helm hasn't skated since last Thursday and hasn't had another test since an MRI on Sunday.

"I can't really lift anything up right now, can't bend over too well," Helm said. "I'll have to tie my skates before I skate around. It is hurting. It's a small injury but bugs me quite a bit. I have to make sure I can actually skate before I go out there."

Helm said this is his first back injury.

"I'm just kind of listening to what they're saying and trusting them, like I've done before," Helm said. "Just being really cautious with it and when it's ready it's ready. It's a short season. Obviously, I've got to get back quickly but I can't rush it and be out for another 3-4 weeks. I've got to be smart with it."

Helm has been on the wrong end of a rash of injuries of late.

On March 17, he missed the final 10 regular season games with a sprained MCL. Then, in his first game back, the playoff opener against Nashville, he had tendons in his forearm sliced by a skate. He was also hit by a puck on Nov. 2 during an informal skate in Troy, breaking an orbital bone.

"I've been watching a lot of games, been sidelined for a year and a bit with different types of injuries," Helm said. "It is a bit frustrating, but hoping it's sooner or later."

Mikael Samuelsson said an ultrasound revealed nothing on his injured groin.

"It's a minor, minor thing," Samuelsson said. "It's not a big deal, but you don't want to start like this."

Samuelsson said it's very possible he'll be on the ice Thursday and feels he'll be ready for the opener.

"I will be ready for Saturday if the coach wants me," Samuelsson said.